A United States Congressman, Bill Huizenga, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as a lack of decisive action in addressing repeated attacks on Christian communities across Nigeria.
Speaking during a congressional session, Huizenga accused the Nigerian government of downplaying reports of killings and failing to confront the growing wave of extremist violence. He questioned why attacks on Christians in the northern region continue without serious response or accountability.
According to him, the pattern of violence raises troubling questions.
“Do we see Christians killing Muslims in Christian-dominated areas the way radicalised Muslims are killing Christians in Muslim areas of Nigeria?” he asked, emphasising that his concerns come from both official reports and personal encounters with Nigerians familiar with the situation.
Huizenga also expressed frustration over what he called attempts—both internationally and within the US Congress—to minimise the scale of the crisis. He said such denial gives extremists confidence to continue their attacks.
“It is outrageous that Christians, moderate Muslims, anyone, are being terrorised by radical groups, and we have the Tinubu government sitting back and not doing enough,” he said.
The congressman further condemned Nigerian officials for visiting the United States to “soften” the narrative. He insisted that any attempt to give excuses or downplay the killings must be openly rejected.
“I don’t understand why a delegation will come to the United States to downplay this and give excuses. It should be called out for what it is.”
His comments add to growing international pressure on the Nigerian government to take stronger measures against extremist violence.
US, Nigeria Discuss Security Cooperation
Meanwhile, Congressman Riley M. Moore met with a high-level Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Washington, D.C. Other members of the delegation included the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of the Federation, and top military and intelligence chiefs.
According to an official statement, the meeting provided an opportunity for a “frank and honest discussion” on the persecution of Christians, terrorist threats, and the need for deeper US-Nigeria cooperation to end the bloodshed.
The Nigerian officials highlighted their challenges in counterterrorism, security assistance, and protection of vulnerable communities. Moore, however, stressed that the US expects visible progress, stating that the United States “will not tolerate continued violence against Christians.”
He reaffirmed that the US remains ready to support Nigeria but expects stronger commitment from the Nigerian government in dismantling Boko Haram, ISWAP, Fulani militant networks, and other violent groups.
